Utilizing your Home for the Sell: Bonus Rooms
Bonus rooms can become a focal point when selling a property because these rooms are typically large spaces that can have a variety of uses — a playroom, a guest room or a large entertaining area. The problem is if these spaces are not staged to fit the potential home buyer’s lifestyle, it may be overlooked as a confusing space putting it at the bottom of the list. That’s why it’s important to give these rooms a clear purpose with a distinct function.
This may seem counter-intuitive, but if you make the space too generic, it can be difficult for a buyer to visualize it as their future game room, home theatre, or guest bedroom. On the flip side, customizing the space too much will discourage buyers who have something very different in mind. If you’ve got an obscure bonus room that you need to amplify to help sell your house, the Michelle Clark Team has a few tips for you.
Define your space.
The key to showcasing a bonus room effectively is to understand your ideal buyer and stage the room with that specific demographic in mind. Does your neighborhood tend to draw baby boomers, families, or young professionals? Once you have an idea of the type of buyer most likely to be interested in your home, deciding how best to set up the space will be easier. For example, a larger family may be interested in an extra bedroom or game room, while a young professional could utilize the space as a home office or an entertainment area.
Declutter.
You may think the layout of your bonus room is perfect as is, but that doesn’t mean you’re ready for an open house quite yet. Potential buyers like fresh and airy rooms, which means lots of uncluttered space. If your bonus room is fully furnished, remove a good portion of the furnishings and distribute the remaining pieces evenly. Remove many of the personal touches such a family photos and specific decor pieces. The idea is to make the room look larger and eliminate those personal elements so a buyer can easily visualize himself using the space.
Freshen up.
Paint can help your room feel fresh and will help give it a mini-makeover. Gray is now considered a flexible neutral color and you can also use it to subtly suggest the potential of a particular bonus room, like a pastel gray for a craft room, or darker gray for a man cave. The right space doesn’t need much work to get the point across just make sure to repair gouges and nail holes, and tape off molding and baseboards when you’re painting. A good paint job can work wonders, while a lazy one can be worse than not painting at all.
Play up the positives.
When the Michelle Clark Team shows your home we will highlight the positive features in a room while deflecting those awkward spaces that can be found in most bonus areas. You can help highlight those positive features too by adding cozy reading areas with window seats. or create built-in storage areas in small alcoves to turn a negative into a positive.
The little details in a home are what connect the buyer on an emotional level. When preparing your bonus room, don’t forget those small details that will define the purpose of the space. With a little work and adding smart touches, you can help a home buyer associate this property with their new lifestyle. By understanding the demographic and knowing the buyer you can appeal to their desires and help expedite the sale of your home. Ready to put your house on the market? Contact the Michelle Clark Team with any questions you may have, and we’ll help you sell your home and move on to the next chapter.